Michelle Malkin wonders why Obama is suddenly embracing ultra-nationalist, protectionist views when it comes to trade:

So, now it’s okay to put America first?

So, now it’s okay to be a “nativist,” ultra-patriotic protectionist?

So, now it’s okay to bitterly cling to the nationalist idea that our country is superior?

Didn’t want this one to get lost over the weekend. It’s too rich: The Obamessiah is channeling Pat Buchanan and is now a red-white-and-blue Great American pandering to Harley riders.

Personally, I think protectionism is a terrible thing.  It’s bad for consumers, who should be free to benefit from the price and quality advantages that come from international trade, and it’s an insult to American businesses and workers to suggest that they need to be protected from their international counterparts.

But what’s more, what does it say to our allies (remember that Harley Davidson’s chief competition comes from German, British and Japanese companies) when one of our Presidents starts talking about denying companies from their countries access to our markets?

I thought Obama was going to heal America’s image in the world, not make it worse.